12 underrated beauty products that really work

Some products seem to slip under the radar in favour of other, well marketed, buys, so we want to celebrate some unsung heroes of the beauty world. These cosmetics not only deliver on their promise – and more – but are insanely well-priced, so you can buy in bulk, should you wish. Starting at just £1.39, there's no reason not to have these makeup, hair and skin saviours in your life.

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1W7 Hollywood Bronze & Glow, £4.95

Every time we test W7 makeup we're blown away. How they can deliver on quality at cut prices baffles us, but they do. Our fave is the contouring palette, Hollywood Bronze & Glow. As this review demonstrates, it wears as well as a high-end version ten times its price tag, which is amazing (unless you're a packaging snob). £4.95, W7cosmetics.co.uk

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2Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, £3.99

We ALL need a pressed powder in our makeup bag (not least so the midday mirror T-zone doesn't appear), and this one is as good, nay better, than any. It obliterates shine and smoothes over imperfections. Plus, it doesn't clog pores and is paraben free. Winning. £3.99, Boots

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3Mane 'n Tale Deep Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, from £8.05

It turns out the no.1 hair care product sold on Amazon is a horse shampoo that is loved by humans. No, we're not horsing around. Rave reviewers claim it's the "best" shampoo they've "ever had" and the praise doesn't end there. It's said to speed up hair growth (the claim of users, not the brand) and helps to make it thicker, shinier and stronger - just like a mare's mane. From £8.05, Amazon.co.uk

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4COLab Dry Shampoo, from £1.99

It's baffling how this is so cheap, but we're not arguing. Sure, we all love a bit of Batiste, but this dry shampoo from beauty blogger Ruth Crilly is faultless. The Sheer & Invisible range does what it says on the tin – absorbs grease without loading your roots with powder – and the Extreme Volume products boost the hair with body between washes (or straight after one!). £1.99, Superdrug

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5Topshop Kohl Pencil in Coal, £4

Forget shelling out on a pricey pencil liner – this one is perfect for day-to-day wear. It glides on softly but doesn't smudge, or budge. No matter how much you sharpen to get your preferred precision, this bargain seems to just last and last. We love it. £4, Topshop.com

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6Johnson's Baby Oil, £1.65

Not just for babies, but baby-soft skin, this cult classic literally locks moisture in. Whack it on out the shower while you're still wet and then pat your skin dry – your limbs will feel like silk. It's also amazing to use for shaving, massage and makeup removal. Quite the multi-tasker. £1.65, Boots

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7QVS Natural Look Lashes, from £1.99

When we tested 100 false lashes on one eye (yeah, we aim to serve) one of the brands that really impressed us was the bargainous QVS. With thin veins that don't pop up in the corners of your eyelids and flattering lengths, these are a lash-lover's dream. From £1.99, Xtras.co.uk

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8Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, £4.99

Micellar water is one of those products that we now wonder how we possibly lived without, and now the high street are in on the act the Garnier version is our go-to. Perfect for all skin types, sensitive included, it cleanses, soothes and hydrates at once without the need to rub or rinse your skin. Lazy girl cleansing has never been so effective – and easy. £4.99, Boots

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9Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, £2.65

This isn't our favourite product to use as a lip balm (these not-so-bargainous wonders are), BUT there are so many other ways to use this cult classic. In fact, here are 19 things you never knew you could do with Vaseline (and we're not talking about lube). For example, it prevents your razor blades from rusting, soothes skin post-waxing, acts as a barrier when DIY hair dying and helps you open nail polishes that are clamped closed. £2.65, Boots

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10Barry M Satin Super Slick Lip Paint, £4.49

We love a bit of Barry M, and these new Lip Paints nail it on feel and formula. True to how they look in the bullet, the pigments stay put on your lips and leave them feeling nicely conditioned. A rare combo. The gunmetal packaging looks pretty posh, too. £4.49, BarryM.com

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11Nivea Cream, £1.39

If you only ever buy one moisturiser – make it this. Designed for use on the face, hands and body, the rich cream feels refreshing and SO satisfyingly quenching. Perfect for winter skin, or dry types all year round. £1.39, Boots

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12Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara, £11.99

Cassie, Cosmo's Beauty Editor, won't use any other brand of mascara – because Max Factor do it SO well. Their 'best' wand depends on your lashes and the look you're after – but the False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara plumps lashes upwards and outwards for the ultimate flutter. £11.99, Boots

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